Long before a actor auditions for a part, the author must get into character and give birth to that part, much as a potter forms a vessel from deep within his imagination. His hands skillfully press and pinch until the magnificent is born.

When a diabolical character frightens even the author himself, or the demise of a beloved friend in the novel brings bitter tears of sorrow to his eyes, he knows he has done his job well and his characters justice.

Getting out of character is another thing altogether, and often an impossibility, for each time the author fathers someone who lives between the pages of his work, that person ultimately becomes very real and remains his companion all of his days. His invisible friends are often more loyal and loving than any conceivable, organic counterpart because they live in his eternal dreams rather than the cold, painful reality of mortals.

What horrors ultimately befall a man when he dares to embrace the miserable secrets of his own heart? What mysteries await as he drifts off to sleep on his disconsolate bed? His dreams mingled with fears, become nightmares that drain his soul of strength, leaving a torrid, brittle shell to be swept away with the ashes of love lost, blown by the relentless winds, bursting from the breeches of hell.

Perhaps there is no soul and life is merely a pathetic, random neural synapse lost in the space-time illusion?

Terrified to discover the inversion of his own essence, he smiles amiably and nods as though he believes the rhyme of love that lulls the masses, as a teardrop of fire rolls down his cheek rapidly igniting the crusty dung of his existence.

The sky is so far away and the stars are so small. Still, the night calls and the heart must answer in silent sadness over years long forgotten yet asleep in the depths.

No one knows but you and I.

When they were snatched away, my world ended. Now, their haunting absence devours me, disturbs my sleep, erodes my peace.

What if people really loved each other forever?
What if they never left?
What if they truly lived happily ever after?
Alas, ’tis only a cruel dream.